Broken Open

by Lynda Skeen

The poems of Broken Open take the reader on a journey from the trance of addiction, family dysfunction, and depression to the wakefulness of open-hearted self-acceptance.

Enjoy a video of Lynda reading from her new book:

Early Praise:

These astonishing poems by Lynda Skeen bring the poet’s courage and authenticity front and center. There is such depth and honesty in looking at one’s experience and writing with her unrelenting gaze. Her word choices distill language and poetry into a refined essence that borders the alchemical.  Lynda takes us on a journey that while at times may be challenging, does not waiver but land us in the heart as nothing else honestly can.

—Julie Suhr, writer, poet, editor

Lynda Skeen’s poetry is inquisitive, attentive and authentic. Whether exploring how a familiar landscape becomes a stranger or why a singer, even after many unanswered songs keeps singing, this diverse yet coherent collection resonates with relationship—between time and memory, longing and acceptance. Within these engaging poems you’ll experience imagination and perception, society and self.

—Dan Kaufman, poet and aspiring pacifist

Lynda Skeen expresses her passionate engagement with life through powerful poems imbued with her own raw experiences growing up, alongside her deep love of nature.  She’s not afraid to explore the darkness, nor the intensity of being human.  Lynda’s poetry plunges into some of the essential angst of human life, exploring the shadows, then soothes the soul by taking refuge in nature.  Her passionate love of nature is an inspiring reminder to us all of what is truly essential.

—Ann Fielder, writer and acupuncturist

Evocative poetry leaves us wondering, allows us to find ourselves in between the lines. Lynda’s poetry does all of this and more. Each poem is real, raw, and relatable. From the hints of childhood and generational trauma—we have been in this creek bed for generations, broken off from our parental mountains and washed downstream—to her healing process in nature—Cold, foam-tipped waves scrubbing your memory clean—Lynda’s writing invites the reader to follow the arc of her story in this superbly crafted book of poems. I have reread a favorite many times, “Boulders in Late Summer…” because I’ve hiked to these boulders and her writing transports me back there, to the stillness of a healing place – a gift.

—Julie Lockhart, Pushcart Prize nominee for her essay, “Worthy”

About the Author

Lynda Skeen has been published in a variety of journals, including boats against the current, ONE ART, The Halcyone Literary Review, North American Review, Lucid Stone, The Hyacinth Review, and Anti-Heroin Chic.  She lives in Ashland, Oregon, with her husband and several cats.

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